Philippines: Introduced amendments to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (HB No. 898) including data protection authority governance

On 1 July 2022, an amendment to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (HB No. 898) was introduced into the Philippine Parliament. The Bill provides for the reinforcement of the organisational structure of the National Privacy Commission (NPC), thereby enhancing its authority and extending the term limits for its officials. The amendment empowers the NPC to issue subpoenas, issue cease and desist orders, and impose fines. Additionally, the amendment grants the NPC the authority to conduct investigations, mediate disputes, and access and review personal information for enforcement purposes. Moreover, the NPC is responsible for coordinating internationally with the objective of aligning Philippine data privacy standards with global regulations. Furthermore, the NPC is responsible for the publication and regular updating of administrative fines, as well as the dissemination of information regarding data protection legislation through seminars and other forms of public outreach.